This cynical look at publishing was inspired
by Kurtzman's own experience working for Martin Goodman in the
1940s. Goodman's shlock operation included men's magazines, crossword
puzzle mags and the early Marvel Comics. This story marks the
very first appearance of Goodman Beaver (a name inspired by Marvel's
founder). Goodman Beaver later evolved into Playboy's "Little
Annie Fanny," but that's another story. On this page
newly-hired Goodman ironically meets lecherous Hugh Hare [Hefner]
from the girlie mag division, and then Lucifer Shlock himself.
Jungle Book was the first paperback of original comics,
one of the very first graphic novels, and a rare solo effort
by Kurtzman. It is regarded as one of the finest works of his
distinguished career. (Note: page numbers are from the Kitchen
Sink Press edition, not the original Ballantine paperback.)

Provenance:
From the estate of Harvey Kurtzman. Comes with a letter of authenticity
upon request.

Size/medium/condition/price: Drawn with pen & brush in India ink with wash
tones on a blue-lined bristol board adhered to a backer sheet.
The board measures 7" wide x 11 3/8" high. The actual
image area is 5 1/4" x 9 1/4". There is some white-out
where Kurtzman made corrections, particularly around the voice
balloons. As can be seen in the full scan, the border outside
the image area contains registration marks, page number, printer's
penciled notations, and yellowing tape residue near the top.
Such minor flaws exist on every Jungle Book original to
a greater or lesser degree. The border extranea can be easily
eliminated from view by matting the original. Comes with the
original hand-cut red mask acetate overlay (not pictured here).
This is an exquisitely rendered original by --indisputably--
one of the greatest cartoonists of all time.